The Sustainable Energy Outreach Network (SEON) has been awarded a $12,000 grant from the High Meadows Fund.
The grant will be used to partially subsidize incumbent worker tuition, keeping the cost affordable, for SEON’s High Performance Builder courses, which are part of itsCertified Level 1 High Performance Builder program. This grant and SEON’s program will support the Building Efficiency priority of the Legislature’s Climate Solutions Caucus by focusing on workforce development.
A goal of SEON is to brand the region of SE Vermont as a knowledge center of high performance construction and attract or retain young working age adults who are excited about learning this trade and contribute to solving our climate emergency.
SEON developed the Certified Level I High Performance Builder program with assistance from the Windham County Economic Development Program and has been piloting the training in Windham County. In 2020 SEON plans to deliver the training programs to Bennington and Chittenden Counties. Key to the success of the pilot has been partnership with the Windham Regional Career Center’s Adult Education Program and the Architecture and Construction Program. SEON members serve on the Advisory Committee, introduce outside experts to the students, and construct “mock-up” wall systems in the shop for student reference and for use in SEON’s High Performance courses.
SEON members will also work with the Pipeline and Pathways Program of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation to introduce students to the world of high performance construction.
Read more about SEON’s High Performance Builder program.
Contact Guy Payne, Executive Director at guy@buildingscience.org or call 802-376-9262.
SEON is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Brattleboro.